Experimental Methods and Children's Social Care

This insightful book explores the application of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to children’s social care and child protection. Expert authors showcase the method using a wide range of examples that highlight the opportunities and challenges of RCTs in this context. The book also considers the key criticisms and limitations of adopting experimental methods in this context, and some alternatives, before outlining lessons learned and avenues for future development.

Chapters draw on detailed case studies to highlight the transformative potential of RCTs, demonstrating how they can generate actionable findings, facilitate effective resource allocation and improve outcomes for children and families. Contributors examine the challenges of applying experimental methods in complex and sensitive circumstances, considering alternatives to randomisation such as quasi-experimental designs. Ultimately, the book reflects on novel ways of implementing more effective and informative trials, emphasising the crucial role of robust evidence in guiding policy and practice in children’s social care.

Experimental Methods and Children’s Social Care is an essential resource for students and academics in social policy, social psychology, social work and family and gender studies. Its theoretical and practical coverage of RCTs will also greatly benefit policymakers and practitioners working in children's social care and child protection.